A quality player from the Minnesota Vikings might strengthen the defensive base that the San Francisco 49ers have created around
their outstanding defensive line play. Even if the defensive line already has a wealth of skill, there will still be gaps to be filled.
More specifically, the 49ers need to find ways to replace Randy Gregory and Chase Young. Although they were added as pass-rushing
reinforcements, the two are free agents. John Fields of Pro Football Network suggests that San Francisco should target Vikings
defensive end Danielle Hunter as a potential answer.
Fields wrote on February 25 that “bringing in another legitimate edge rusher could certainly help in that regard, and Hunter has
certainly proven capable of playing to that level throughout his eight-year career.”
Hunter is 29 years old and will probably have some regression back to the mean, but the 49ers may find his consistent output
appealing if they choose to move on from the inconsistent Young.
Hunter appears to be a huge improvement on paper. Fields does advise caution, but Hunter’s high ceiling and floor seem like safe bets.
Vikings’ Hunter’s Best Season Yet
Hunter was already established as a premier edge rusher going into 2023. Even though the former LSU Tiger has now exceeded the
10-sack threshold five times, 2023 was a step up for him.
In 17 starts, Hunter recorded 16.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, per Pro Football Reference. In addition, he recorded the most tackles
for loss in the NFL with 23 and added two passes defensed.
As has been the case for the majority of his career, Hunter was perhaps a snub for a berth on the second team All-Pro. The Vikings DE
has really only been selected to the All-Pro second team once in his professional career, and that was in 2019.
The one thing that could deter any team from pursuing Hunter in the offseason is his history of injuries. Hunter missed the whole
2020 season due to a neck injury, but he started every game in 2022 and 2023. He had to miss ten games in 2021 because of a torn
pectoral muscle.
49ers Will Need to Pay Hunter’s Cost
After having the best NFL season to date, Hunter will be vying for the largest salary. As players get closer to their 30s, it’s crucial that
they pay out, and Hunter is about to reach that age.
Spotrac anticipates paying Hunter $60 million over three years. It’s a reasonable and perhaps even optimistically low forecast, given
that he just played on a contract worth $17 million per season.
San Francisco lacks the necessary cash up front. When the league season begins, the 49ers are expected to have $6.1 million in cap
space. They’ll have to cut players or rework contracts in order to make room for Hunter.
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